Officers, NCOs, Privates, Seamen, Airmen and civilians,
Today we are celebrating the Armed Forces’ Day with magnificence; it is a day with strong symbolism, national and religious, not only for the military family, but for the entire Greek nation as well.
November 21st is a day for splendid celebration, as our Church celebrates the Entrance of the Theotocos, Champion General and patron saint of the Greek arms, into the Temple and our Nation honours all of you who serve in the Armed Forces of our country.
In a spirit of emotion, we turn our thoughts to all those who raised the flags for our national ideals and fell as heroes in the battlefields, to all those who give their struggle every day, in and out of the Greek territory in order to ensure the required sense of security for the Greek people and to defence our national interests, wherever this may be required.
And we are all proud,, not only of the pages of history that were written by the Armed Forces in the past, but of their achievements today as well, in the period of a strong social and political volatility and a wider geopolitical agitation.
In these difficult times, the Armed Forces not only contribute willingly to the effort to achieve national reorganization but, in parallel, they perform also a flag presence. Through their work they declare towards everybody that Greece can and is determined, despite the adverse circumstances, to defend our territorial integrity and to ensure our national independence, to remain a pillar of stability and security for the wider region of the SE Mediterranean and the Balkans, being also a member of the European family and of the Atlantic Alliance.
Despite their clearly military role, the Armed Forces stand always at the side of the Greek citizens, the Greek people, and help them with their needs and adversities. The Armed Forces, through their social contribution and their humanitarian work have gained the total confidence of the Greek people which all of you, conscripts and permanent staff, you reciprocate it in the best possible manner.
Women and men of the Armed Forces,
With today’s celebration we honour your devotion, your strength and your perseverance, virtues which you have never lacked despite the difficulties and thus you became an example of ethos and dignity, unity and collective work.
The Greek people count on you. They know that you are the guards on any of the farthest borders of the Greek land and that your support the society in every difficulty.
This is why they treat you with respect; they honour you and thank you.
I wish all of you and your families health and prosperity.
Long live the Greek Armed Forces.
Long live our Nation.
The Minister of National Defence
Nikos Dendias
